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Here, we’ll be illustrating the importance of taking yourself seriously when trying to convince others.

Self-deprecation

Almost every day we see examples of people “putting themselves down”.

Sometimes this is entirely subconscious but the clues can be seen in the person’s use of phrases such as:

“…then again, I’m not sure I know what I’m talking about…”

“…that’s only my opinion and I could be wrong…”

“…nobody usually listens to me anyway…”

“…even I have been known to be right at times…”

etc

Quite commonly, these types of expressions are used in the context of a little self-deprecating humour. However, it’s important to note a key point here:

when you use expressions like these and others like them, you are subconsciously communicating to others around you that you are not confident in what you are saying!

Lack of conviction when speaking

Now sometimes there is nothing wrong with this or taking yourself lightly. In a social situation with your family or having a laugh with your mates on an evening out, the above sort of jokey humility can be endearing whether you mean it or not.

You should be very clear though that in a more serious situation or in your day-to-day professional life, these sorts of expressions undermine your position when you are trying to convince people.

By and large, they won’t interpret that sort of language as indicating that you’re a nice person with very humble opinions about your knowledge and experience. Instead, they’re more likely to assume that you don’t know what you’re talking about.

Even worse, these sorts of phrases can be “passive victim” indicators. In other words, they indicate to more forceful personalities around you that even if gently pushed, you will concede your ground and agree to do what someone else wants you to do.

Those things signal to some that you can be safely ignored

Elimination

We need to be clear that when you are engaging in motivational speaking and trying to make others take you seriously, this sort of personal “put-down” must be eliminated from your vocabulary.

That doesn’t mean that you become authoritarian, bombastic, arrogant and inflexible when trying to convince others. If someone makes a counterpoint to something you have said and you think it is valid, graciously accept the other viewpoint without hesitation! Don’t waste your time in trying to save face by insisting on your own viewpoint if you suddenly realise you’re wrong.

However, remember though that if others perceive that you don’t take your own views and opinions seriously, as they will do if you use some of the above terminology on a regular basis, then you can be sure they won’t take you seriously either.

Of course, you should avoid trying to indicate a certainty of knowledge when, in fact, you may be far less than certain. However, in situations where you really are clear that what you’re saying is correct, use terms such as:

“I know that….”

“we should…”

”it is important that we…”

“the fact is…”

etc

Avoid:

“in my opinion…”

“I suspect…”

“I believe…”

“maybe we should…”

“it could be that…”

“I could be wrong but…”;

etc

Do that and it’ll be a step towards others taking you and your opinions more seriously.

– Clare Diable

Ever since the day we walked into the Dojo, George has been enthusiastic about attending his Ninja Ru class each week. Not only has he made new friends but he has improved in so many areas of his development. His motor skills have become more defined, his balance, his co-ordination are even better but most of all he has developed a crucial discipline and a genuine respect for others.

He brings home all of his new moves which we love watching him demonstrate but he now always wants to help because it’s good to ‘work together’ and do ‘team work’.

George’s instructor Rebecca is one of a kind, full of respect for the children, she explains things to them in a way that they will understand and she gets good feedback from them all, one day, no doubt, she’ll be a fantastic mum running a very tight ship! All of the instructors do a great job and are very patient, because no two children are the same and they deal with them as individuals.

The monthly ‘star grading’ is a very important date in George’s mind, he tries hard at everything he is asked to do and is always encouraged by his peers.

I can’t recommend WAIMA Currambine enough, it’s good fun and fitness for children, great discipline and it is always teaching them very important skills that will stay with them for life and George loves it, he is very proud of his very first Martial Arts uniform.
Keep up the great work…

Clare Diable

Ninja Ru Testimonials

Ever since the day we walked into the Dojo, George has been enthusiastic about attending his Ninja Ru class each week. Not only has he made new friends but he has improved in so many areas of his development. His motor skills have become more defined, his balance, his co-ordination are even better but most of all he has developed a crucial discipline and a genuine respect for others.

He brings home all of his new moves which we love watching him demonstrate but he now always wants to help because it’s good to ‘work together’ and do ‘team work’.

George’s instructor Rebecca is one of a kind, full of respect for the children, she explains things to them in a way that they will understand and she gets good feedback from them all, one day, no doubt, she’ll be a fantastic mum running a very tight ship! All of the instructors do a great job and are very patient, because no two children are the same and they deal with them as individuals.

The monthly ‘star grading’ is a very important date in George’s mind, he tries hard at everything he is asked to do and is always encouraged by his peers.

I can’t recommend WAIMA Currambine enough, it’s good fun and fitness for children, great discipline and it is always teaching them very important skills that will stay with them for life and George loves it, he is very proud of his very first Martial Arts uniform.
Keep up the great work…